How Do You Tell If a Ruby Is Real with a Flashlight?
Real rubies glow with a deep, vivid, almost "stoplight" red. Fake gems are often dull: they are "light, but not bright." If the gem is more of a dark red, then it may be garnet instead of a ruby.

How can I test my ruby at home?

Grind a coin or fingernail into your ruby's surface and see if it is getting scratches. If your stone is showing a scratch, then it is not a real ruby. Scratch the ruby against a hard surface such as a piece of clear glass or a porcelain tile. Keep in mind to check if the ruby stone leaves a red mark on the surface.

Do rubies glow under a blacklight?

Can you settle this? Answer: All rubies fluoresce, whether they're mined or created in a lab, since natural and synthetic ruby gemstones have the same chemical composition and physical properties.
James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.

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